University of Montana Western athletic director, Ryan Nourse, has announced the hiring of Lynn Reynolds as head coach of the Bulldog cross-country teams. The addition of cross-country to the UMW athletic department is the fifth and sixth varsity sports for Montana Western.

Coach Reynolds was born and raised in Dillon where he graduated from Beaverhead High School and continued his athletic success as a Montana Grizzly. While earning his bachelor’s degree in health and human performance-exercise science he was a member of both the cross-country team as well as the track team. While being a scholarship athlete for the Griz he earned Big Sky all-conference honors and was voted team captain for 2011-12 for both track and cross country. He was a national qualifier in track and field.

“I think it is great that the administration was able to initiate this program and I am happy to have their support. Having grown up and started my own running career in Dillon, this is something I've been hoping to see for a long time,” said Coach Reynolds. “I am very excited to be the newest member of the Bulldog family and can't wait to get started. It's great to have earned the opportunity to build a program from the ground up, allowing me to establish my own traditions and bring in the type of athletes that will be healthy additions to Western and the community of Dillon. “

While earning his degree in Missoula, Reynolds was named to the Big Sky all-conference academic team. In addition to his conference honors he was on the Dean’s list, scholar of the College of Arts and Science, Lindsay Scholar Athlete, and a USTFCCCA all-academic athlete.

Reynolds has been the cross country and track coach for Beaverhead high school. He also served as an intern coach for the University of Montana. He has gained valuable experience while working the Flathead Lake running camp, Birch Creek running camp, as well as working the Grizzly track camp. His experiences have also led him to positions with Camp-Mak-A-Dream, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, B.P.O.E. Elks, and has worked for the Meagher County ambulance.